M1's Left to Rue Missed Opportunities

The M1's entertained Team Bath on Sunday with both teams looking for a win to shake themselves out of sluggish starts to their seasons.  Hawks certainly started the brighter of the two teams and had the lions share of both territory and possession throughout the first half.  However, they failed to capitalise on this advantage and had only one penalty corner award to show for their endeavours when Archie Winter was bundled off the ball outside the circle in the 21st minute.  Jack Biggs' effort was saved comfortably by the visiting keeper.  Five minutes later the visitors won their only penalty corner of the half, which was well saved by Chris Price in the Hawks goal.  So 0-0 at half time despite Hawks having controlled the way they wanted to play to good effect, but with nothing to show for it - always an ominous sign.  In the 2nd minute of the second half Ed Tristem worked hard to pick-pocket possession off Irish international John Jackson as he dallied on the ball, leaving Tristem with a clear run in on goal.  However, the Bath 'keeper forced Tristem wide leaving an improbable angle for a shot on goal which found the side of the goal when a pass to Ted Bennett would have been the better option.  The missed opportunity was compounded a minute later when a speculative long ball off the ground was not dealt with by the Hawks rearguard, eventually falling to a Bath forward to finish from close range.  In the 43rd minute Kiran Patel won a second penalty corner for the home side with a strong carry which drew a heavy tackle outside the circle.  This time the Hawks PC routine worked well, but Biggs' effort was well saved low to the GK's right.  The game ebbed and flowed and whilst not a classic, was there for either side to grab.  Sadly, Hawks could not repeat their encouraging first half performance and relied on a handful of good saves by Price to keep them in the game.  A gilt-edged opportunity finally came their way via a penalty corner with six minutes left on the clock and the Bath GK sitting out a two minute green card for a time wasting infringement.  However, Biggs' effort went straight to the stick of Jackson on the goal line, and the game was as good as gone. Hawks continued to push, but with no real intensity or conviction, and Bath were able to play down the clock and return to the west country with all three points.  A disappointing day at the office.